Never Throw Water on a Grease Fire

This is one of the most dangerous kitchen mistakes you can make. When water hits burning oil, it instantly vaporizes and explodes into a fireball, sending flaming oil everywhere and potentially engulfing your kitchen in seconds. Instead, turn off the burner and slide a metal lid over the pan to smother the flames. Baking soda works on small grease fires. A fire blanket is even better if you have one. Never try to carry a burning pan — the oil can splash. If the fire is too big to cover, get everyone out, close the kitchen door, and call the fire department.